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Natural Ventilation and Green Walls Enhance Community Living in Pigmented Concrete Structure

Authors:
Radomír Paulus, Ben Daniels
Natural Ventilation and Green Walls Enhance Community Living in Pigmented Concrete Structure
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Built with pigmented concrete and enhanced by green walls, the design integrates natural ventilation and modular living spaces to support community engagement in a senior residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated green walls provide biodiversity while enhancing air quality throughout the living spaces.
02
Modular unit designs allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to individual resident needs.
03
Pigmented concrete exterior promotes durability and aesthetic warmth in the surrounding environment.
04
Natural ventilation strategies optimize indoor climate control, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Central courtyard encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of community among residents.

## Overview

Located within a rural context, the Village House design addresses the increasing demands of retirement living by reimagining village concepts to enhance quality of life for seniors. This project connects independent living spaces with communal services, cultivating an inclusive environment that promotes both autonomy and social engagement.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration

A key aspect of the design is its strategic layout, which combines essential services—such as health facilities, recreational areas, and communal spaces—into a unified framework. The central courtyard acts as a social nucleus, encouraging interaction among residents while distinctly separating public and private zones. Public amenities, including dining and social rooms, offer ease of access, while residential units are thoughtfully positioned to maintain privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The Village House employs a variety of sustainable materials to enhance the building's ecological footprint. Pigmented concrete is prominently used in public areas, providing warmth and inviting pathways. Extensive glass facades facilitate natural light and blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Additionally, green walls and terrace gardens incorporate plant life into the architecture, supporting biodiversity and improving air quality. The architectural form adopts a cantilevered structure, enhancing natural ventilation and allowing residents to connect visually with their natural surroundings through expansive balconies.

The design incorporates modular living spaces that can be customized to accommodate the needs of individual residents, while multi-purpose areas foster vibrant community interactions. Through its thoughtful blend of design and functionality, the Village House establishes a framework for modern retirement living.

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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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